Our Vision for the Future

Women have made a lot of progress since WFF was founded more than 30 years ago to accelerate the advancement of women leaders in the Foodservice Industry. Today, women lead from the C-Suite, on corporate and non-profit boards, in industry associations and in governing bodies positioned to accelerate this work like never before. We also have a generation of emerging leaders today who expect unlimited opportunities and equal positions leading alongside, or ahead, of their male peers.

We know we haven’t arrived yet. Women still earn less than men, are promoted less often and remain underrepresented in the C-Suite. Women still suffer a “motherhood penalty” while men benefit professionally by becoming fathers. McKinsey & Company data shows women experience microaggressions like having their expertise questioned, being mistaken for someone more junior, having contributions claimed by others and seeing their leadership style criticized.

These experiences are more common among women of color. We understand better today that progress for some is not enough. Every woman belongs in this fight and on the path to progress. To achieve that, we must equip ourselves and our organizations to do more to tangibly support women of color so we all rise together.

Fortunately, challenge energizes us. Women have already proven the willingness and ability to prepare for leadership with more women graduating from college than men for well over three decades. They’ve demonstrated unique abilities to shine in times of crisis, caring for people while taking care of business. It’s time to push further. To not be satisfied with incremental progress. And, to dig into unintentional and unconscious biases to identify nuanced practices and thinking that holds women back.

WFF is leading that change, in partnership with forward-thinking companies that share our commitment to creating limitless opportunities for all women. We work every day to:

• Lead the way to gender equity in the Foodservice Industry.
• Prepare women for increased responsibility and senior leadership roles.
• Inspire women at all levels to boldly pursue their highest aspirations.
• Help organizations build inclusive environments where women thrive.
• Eliminate gender gaps in pay and promotion.
• Increase support for working mothers.
• Advocate flexible work approaches that respect women’s contributions as society’s primary caregivers.
• Promote safe and respectful working conditions.
• Educate leaders to create work environments free of macro- and microaggressions.

Led by some of the most influential women in the Foodservice Industry (and the emerging leaders ready to follow in their footsteps) WFF provides a powerful vehicle and sustaining community to help women grow their skills, dreams, connections and careers, and to help more organizations benefit from their powerful contributions.

We enjoy the support of many male champions today, and a society ripe for change. We envision a Foodservice Industry that is the undisputed leader in gender equity and the employer of choice for ambitious, talented women, and men, around the world. We are building the world we want to live in. Please join us!